As March progresses and spring appears in the offing, it’s still anyone’s guess as to whether the month will close out like a lion or like a lamb.

Given that our winter since January has been a rather cold and snowy one, and given that our heating bills are reflecting that, let’s look at ways to lower our energy consumption in this the final month of winter.

Furnace

Make sure your furnace is working optimally by inspecting its air intake and vents as well as filters. If you find debris remove it. This will assist air circulation and aid in the efficiency of your furnace.

Determine when your furnace was manufactured. If it’s more than 10 to 12 years old, you may want to think about replacing it. But pay attention to the estimated gas consumption of new models. If you can reduce your gas consumption by 20 to 30 per cent getting a new furnace may well be worth the expense.

Programmable thermostat

If you are serious about energy savings, these are a must. Dropping your temperature by a few degrees can make a big difference on your bill. Why bother heating your house when no one is there to enjoy the warmth? A programmable thermostat allows you to program when your heat comes on and how high or low it goes. For the tech nerd, consider Wi-Fi or smart thermostats, which allow you to remotely check and change your thermostat as needed no matter where you are.

Insulation

Your attic and walls should be properly insulated. Worn or old insulation will increase your energy bills. How old is your insulation?

Weather stripping

There are simple ways to check whether your seals are doing their job. Look for curtains that waver ever so slightly. A good way to check is by wetting your hand and putting it up to windows and doors. If there is a draft, you will feel the cold right away.

Let the sunshine in

Raise the blinds or open your curtains during the day to take advantage of the sun’s heat. Remember to close them at night to insulate against cool night air.

Remember what mom used to say

Your whole house need not be an oven for you to feel comfortable in winter. Think about padding yourself with a sweater or sweatshirt. That way, wherever you go in your home, you’ll feel comfortable even though the temperature might be on the cooler side.

Source:  www.energyrates.ca